Indiana Lake Preservation Act Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants
Indiana Lake Preservation Act Key Terms & Definitions
Aquatic habitat: The natural home or environment of plants and animals that live in or near water, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act aims to protect aquatic habitats from degradation caused by unregulated activities.[^5]
Dredging: The removal of sediment, debris, or other material from the bottom of a lake, river, or other body of water. Under the Indiana Lake Preservation Act, dredging activities require a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.[^3]
Filling: The deposition of materials, such as soil, rock, or debris, into a lake, river, or other body of water, often to create new land or to alter the shoreline. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act regulates filling activities to minimize their negative impacts on lakes.[^3]
Lake: As defined in the Indiana Lake Preservation Act (Indiana Code 14-26-2-1), a lake is a reasonably permanent body of water substantially at rest in a depression in the surface of the earth, naturally created or artificially formed or increased, and of at least five acres in area or with a normal depth of at least five feet at the lowest point.[^4]
Navigable waterway: A body of water that has been used by the public with the acquiescence of a riparian owner. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act applies to all public freshwater lakes in the state, which are defined as navigable waterways.[^4]
Permit: A legal document issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources that authorizes a specific activity, such as dredging, filling, or construction, in or near a lake. Permits are required under the Indiana Lake Preservation Act to ensure that these activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes their negative impacts on lakes.[^3]
Public freshwater lake: A navigable waterway that has been used by the public with the acquiescence of a riparian owner. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act applies to all public freshwater lakes in the state.[^4]
Recreational value: The value of a lake for recreational activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and scenic enjoyment. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act aims to protect the recreational value of lakes by regulating activities that may impair these uses.[^2]
Riparian owner: A person who owns land that borders a lake, river, or other body of water. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act applies to public freshwater lakes that have been used by the public with the acquiescence of a riparian owner.[^4]
Scenic beauty: The aesthetic quality of a lake and its surroundings, including natural features such as vegetation, wildlife, and water clarity. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act aims to protect the scenic beauty of lakes by regulating activities that may degrade these qualities.[^2]
Shoreline: The line where a body of water and the land meet. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act regulates activities that may alter or degrade shorelines, such as dredging, filling, and construction of piers and seawalls.[^3]
Shoreline alteration: Any activity that changes the physical structure or appearance of a lake's shoreline, such as dredging, filling, or construction of piers and seawalls. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act requires permits for shoreline alteration activities to minimize their negative impacts on lakes.[^3]
Shoreline erosion: The gradual wearing away of a lake's shoreline due to natural processes, such as wave action and water flow, or human activities, such as boat traffic and shoreline development. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act aims to prevent shoreline erosion by regulating activities that may contribute to this problem.[^5]
Water quality: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for various uses, such as drinking, swimming, and supporting aquatic life. The Indiana Lake Preservation Act aims to protect water quality in lakes by regulating activities that may cause pollution, erosion, and sedimentation.[^5]
A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.